Family-friendly days out in the Cotswolds
Become a Bicester Village Member
While in Cotswolds, visit Bicester Village, a premier shopping destination featuring over 150 luxury boutiques. Discover designer collections from iconic brands like Boss, Pandora, Chloe, Dior, and more. Known for an immersive shopping experience, Bicester Village also offers world-class dining options and five-star services to elevate your day out.
Why Join?
Become a Bicester Village Member to earn exclusive rewards, insider updates, and extra perks for your next visit.Explore the Cotswolds’ working farms
With a focus on sustainable farming practices,Cotswold Farm Park is a great visit, with children able to feed and pet the lambs with help from a guide. There’s also an exciting adventure playground for letting off steam and a seated picnic area – perfect for a spot of outdoor lunch.
DON'T MISS: For history-seekers, the 13th-century Cogges Manor Farm has plenty of hands-on experiences for children, including bread making, butter churning and heritage crafting.
Spend a day at Bicester Village
When you’re in need of a refuel, our cafes, pop-ups and restaurants are on standby for snacks, drinks or even a sit-down meal, depending on your appetite. Don’t worry if you’ve fussy eaters as there’s plenty on offer; from mac 'n' cheese to crispy fish and chips, ice cream booths and even Champagne bars for the adults – we’ve got you covered.
DON'T MISS: When in need of a break from shopping, our secret playground - with it’s impressive, carved-out tree trunk tunnel and a lookout tower – provides endless entertainment for the little ones.
Family-friendly boat trip down Cotswold canals
Though there’s plenty of routes to explore, we recommend River Windrush, with its beautiful low footbridges. Here lies the perfect setting to soak up the sun and enjoy a taste of England’s Little Venice during an al fresco lunch.
INSIDER TIP: If the idea of waking up with a different view every morning appeals, why not make it a longer trip for the family and holiday on the water? It’s one of the best ways to admire the scenery, with plenty of time to hop off and explore the towns en route.
Adventure to the Cotswold Water Park
With more than 150 lakes, there’s a raft of activities available to book, with everything from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding to try your hand at. Little adventurers can also stay on land and explore the diverse landscape which many species and wetland birds call home.
INSIDER TIP: With so much to do, the park makes an excellent holiday spot, with campsites and lodges available to book for a longer stay – perfect for families and groups of friends.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
The railway uses part of the route of the former Great Western Railway’s mainline from Birmingham to Cheltenham and the shorter route – complete with a tooting horn and white steam puffs of smoke – is a delightful way for kids to see the scenery which the Cotswolds is famed for.
INSIDER TIP: A totally immersive experience into the past, be sure to take a selfie with the drivers and staff, all dressed in traditional uniforms.
Family visit to the Corinium Museum
Families can explore the interactive displays, participate in workshops, and even dress up in period costumes to get a feel for what life was like back then. You could lose an entire day here!
TOP TIP: Keep an eye on the museum’s extensive calendar of events throughout the year. From craft fairs to historical re-enactments, there’s always something new to discover each time you visit
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
If you can tear yourself away from the Madagascar-inspired island, where you can spot lemurs and crocodiles, the park is also home to a colony of Humboldt penguins, a herd of zebra, white rhinos, giraffes and Bactrian camels. Fans of big cats must also stop by the leopard and lion enclosures.
DON’T MISS: With over 120 acres just waiting to be explored, a ride on the charming narrow-gauge railway will make sure you can cover it all in a day – not one to miss.
More things to do in the Cotswolds
Covering more than 800 square miles, there's so much to discover in the Cotswolds for families, couples, friends and even solo travellers. While noted for glorious countryside and idyllic villages, there’s secret gardens, stately parks and an abundance of food and culture waiting to be explored – and to top it off, it’s all within easy reach from Bicester Village.
Plan your visit
Discover new arrivals at more than 150 boutiques, world-class dining and five-star services for a seamless day out. We offer free parking spaces for guests travelling by car. Guests can also travel easily by train – all just under an hour from London.
Best of the region
Want to explore? We've chosen our favourite attractions and things to do in beautiful Oxford and the surrounding areas – from storied colleges, museums and libraries to regal parklands and wild meadows.
Plan your visit
From directions and opening hours to guest services, this is all you need to know for a great day out.
Find out moreWhat's on in the Village?
The new arrivals, pop-ups, events and offers you need to know about.
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